PB111: How to Create an Effective Start Here Page for Your Blog - a podcast by Darren Rowse: Blogger, Speaker, Author and Online Entrepreneur

Note: this episode is available to listen to in the player above, on iTunes and Stitcher
Why You Should Create a Start Here Page for Your BlogToday's Show Is Sponsored by the Problogger Event - Probloggerevents.Com - save $100 until 1 July

Today I am talking about start here pages. This topic comes from a question by John at TheResourcefulCommunity.comWhy a Start Here Page? John wants to know why we should have a start here page and the best way to create one.

We recently put a start here page on ProBlogger. For us, the start here page has replaced the about page. If you have been blogging for awhile, it becomes challenging for a reader to know where to begin.A start here page can help a new reader find the most relevant content to them, and direct them on how to use the site. It is also very clickable. Start here is a compelling call to action.

What you should put in your start here page will vary depending on the goals for your blog, but here are some compelling ideas.In Today’s Episode 7 Things to Consider Adding To Your Start Here Page

Make a Personal Connection - Who are you? What is your story? Use things like story, picture and video.Communicate who your blog is for - Who are your readers? What are their pains? Who are you trying to help and what are their needs.
Communicate what your blog is about - How does your blog help change the lives of your readers?Point people to the right content for them - Get people to the content that gives them a “quick win” where they may have a challenge.
Call to Connect - It’s really important to create a connection with first time readers.Depending on your goals. you might also like to highlight your products, services or other key converting pages on your site (affiliate pages).
Social proof works too - Something that shows your site is active, numbers or testimonials or comments that show you’re helping readers.Formatting Your Start Here Page
When it comes to format, there really are no rules. I would use whatever medium you usually talk to your readers with. If your blog is primarily text, then write your start here page. If you’re a podcaster, then add audio.Use whatever voice your readers are used to hearing you in. We have found video to be particularly effective and that can be a great choice too.
How To Create a Start Here PageCreate a “page” in WordPress or write a blog post and link to it
LeadPages - There are great templates in LeadPages or you could build your ownOther landing page tools - many have templates you can use
You could also find someone to custom design a Start Here Page for youMy Start Here Page
You can see our new start here page here.Statement of what the site is about
Call to subscribeVideo

Who I amWhy I started ProBlogger
The Content areas on ProBloggerHow to find the right content.
The benefits of readingCall to connect to our newsletter and social


The Written ContentTells my story of starting a blog and building it into a full time living
Tellswhy I started ProBloggerTalks about the site and what it’s become and points to the podcast, blog, job board, book, ebooks etc
Taps into the ‘dream’ of making a living from blogging but also the ‘pain points’ of our readersIntroduces our portals and asks our readers what they need help with - points them to the portal relevant to those pain points.
I know if I can get them to a portal page they are going to find some ‘quick win’ contentCalls them to subscribe to ProBloggerPLUS and our social pages
Points to our ‘resources’ pageAgain reinforces the portals



Further Resources on How to Create an Effective Start Here Page for Your BlogEpisode 105: An Exercise to Help You Write Sales Copy

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